We haven't been home a full week. I am amazed at how much Nina-Li has adapted to our home and family. I hope to write an update this weekend sometime.
Thanksgiving Silliness:
Daddy is sooooo Talllll!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A Whole New World
Nina-Li has been our daughter and the boys sister for 3 weeks. She's been an American for 1 week. It has become a whole new world for all of us.
There are some things I am learning about sweet little girly girls like Nina-Li:
90% of Barbie time, is all about the hair. Taking the little rubberbands out, brushing, brushing, brushing, maybe getting it wet, and brushing some more.
Playing is a universal language. It doesn't matter to Nina-Li what language you speak, how old you are, or what you are wearing. She is thrilled to meet you and play with you.
Party dresses or tutus should be worn daily. Life is worth celebrating and why not dress-up for the occassion.
Princesses and Strawberry Shortcake have healing power. Cute band-aids make it all better really fast.
Princess costumes can and should be worn to bed. Why make it an issue? Certainly sweet dreams will flutter by through out the night when worn.
Having a friend brings joy.
I am amazed at the progress we have made in a week. Especially considering how things were in China. She holds my hand often and doesn't want me out of sight. Which is completely normal. However in China, could care less where I was or what I was doing. Bill and Nina-Li are growing closer each day. Nina-Li loves riding on her daddy's shoulders. We took a walk today and she was full of giggles, which we hear daily, A LOT!
Everything is new to Nina-Li. Things you wouldn't think of. Like cups with glitter that swirls around and ice cubes. We've gone from warm water to now 2 ice cubes per cup of water. Last evening she was totally fascinated with the printer and copier. We copied numerous coloring pages. I was tempted to show her how to copy her hand, but I thought we'd have a few dozen copies of hands all over the house if I did. One of the most fascinating things to Nina-Li is blue sky. The first night we arrived home it was 11 PM, and she got to bed at 2 AM. She woke up 14 hours later at 6 PM and then went to bed late that evening. When I tucked her in bed (which went flawlessly), she got out a picture of our home and pointed to her window and then to the blue sky. I assumed she wanted to know when she was going to see daylight. I told her tomorrow (mingtian) she would see day. Well, the next day was sufficient, but cloudy. The following day, she came in my room and said "mama, mama, kan, kan". Which is 'mom, look!' It was the blue sky. At least that is what Bill and I have determined. In China we had sunshine everyday, but no blue sky. Too much smog. The smog was thick enough hardly anyone wore sunglasses.
It is fun watching her discover new things each day. From food to toys. She loves shopping and going places. She is content at home but loves to go out.
We are so proud of our boys and how they have handled the entire situation. Their character really shown through, through out the event. Through all the tears in China, they never once complained. Were always willing to lend a hand, and tolerated Bill and I being a little edgy at times. They never questioned Nina-Li being their sister and have been incredible big brothers. As I shared on Facebook, Kota told my mom "The moment I saw Nina she hypnotized me and made me love her." Wow! Times like that you feel like you are doing something right. Praise God. I kind of wonder how God will use this event to mold our sons into the men they will be someday. I realize now how compassionate they are.
I mentioned earlier that Nina-Li has been going to bed flawlessly. It is common for institutionalized children to not want to sleep alone. She had her own bed, but shared rooms with other girls. However, in China, our guide asked her if she wanted anyone to sleep with her in her room and she said no. And she has done great.
There's a lot she has to learn, like prayer. Why do we hold hands and close our eyes before we eat? And homeschool will be an adventure. Considering she doesn't know English and has to learn all her colors, shapes, numbers, and English alphabet, I am pretty much going to pretend like she is 3. She is a sponge when it comes to learning, so I think we'll have fun as she discovers new things.
I cannot tell everyone how much their prayers have sustained us. Your support and love have been immeasurable. I have no idea how many followed our blog, and will even read this post. But, it is so comforting to know how much people care. We are simply two parents doing what God called us to do. It was written on my heart before Bill and I got married in honor of my mom, who was also adopted. Bill has been incredibly strong when I was weak, and vice versa. We have been each others sounding board and comfort.
I will continue to post every once in awhile the progress Nina-Li makes.
Love to you all.
There are some things I am learning about sweet little girly girls like Nina-Li:
90% of Barbie time, is all about the hair. Taking the little rubberbands out, brushing, brushing, brushing, maybe getting it wet, and brushing some more.
Playing is a universal language. It doesn't matter to Nina-Li what language you speak, how old you are, or what you are wearing. She is thrilled to meet you and play with you.
Party dresses or tutus should be worn daily. Life is worth celebrating and why not dress-up for the occassion.
Princesses and Strawberry Shortcake have healing power. Cute band-aids make it all better really fast.
Princess costumes can and should be worn to bed. Why make it an issue? Certainly sweet dreams will flutter by through out the night when worn.
Having a friend brings joy.
I am amazed at the progress we have made in a week. Especially considering how things were in China. She holds my hand often and doesn't want me out of sight. Which is completely normal. However in China, could care less where I was or what I was doing. Bill and Nina-Li are growing closer each day. Nina-Li loves riding on her daddy's shoulders. We took a walk today and she was full of giggles, which we hear daily, A LOT!
Everything is new to Nina-Li. Things you wouldn't think of. Like cups with glitter that swirls around and ice cubes. We've gone from warm water to now 2 ice cubes per cup of water. Last evening she was totally fascinated with the printer and copier. We copied numerous coloring pages. I was tempted to show her how to copy her hand, but I thought we'd have a few dozen copies of hands all over the house if I did. One of the most fascinating things to Nina-Li is blue sky. The first night we arrived home it was 11 PM, and she got to bed at 2 AM. She woke up 14 hours later at 6 PM and then went to bed late that evening. When I tucked her in bed (which went flawlessly), she got out a picture of our home and pointed to her window and then to the blue sky. I assumed she wanted to know when she was going to see daylight. I told her tomorrow (mingtian) she would see day. Well, the next day was sufficient, but cloudy. The following day, she came in my room and said "mama, mama, kan, kan". Which is 'mom, look!' It was the blue sky. At least that is what Bill and I have determined. In China we had sunshine everyday, but no blue sky. Too much smog. The smog was thick enough hardly anyone wore sunglasses.
It is fun watching her discover new things each day. From food to toys. She loves shopping and going places. She is content at home but loves to go out.
We are so proud of our boys and how they have handled the entire situation. Their character really shown through, through out the event. Through all the tears in China, they never once complained. Were always willing to lend a hand, and tolerated Bill and I being a little edgy at times. They never questioned Nina-Li being their sister and have been incredible big brothers. As I shared on Facebook, Kota told my mom "The moment I saw Nina she hypnotized me and made me love her." Wow! Times like that you feel like you are doing something right. Praise God. I kind of wonder how God will use this event to mold our sons into the men they will be someday. I realize now how compassionate they are.
I mentioned earlier that Nina-Li has been going to bed flawlessly. It is common for institutionalized children to not want to sleep alone. She had her own bed, but shared rooms with other girls. However, in China, our guide asked her if she wanted anyone to sleep with her in her room and she said no. And she has done great.
There's a lot she has to learn, like prayer. Why do we hold hands and close our eyes before we eat? And homeschool will be an adventure. Considering she doesn't know English and has to learn all her colors, shapes, numbers, and English alphabet, I am pretty much going to pretend like she is 3. She is a sponge when it comes to learning, so I think we'll have fun as she discovers new things.
I cannot tell everyone how much their prayers have sustained us. Your support and love have been immeasurable. I have no idea how many followed our blog, and will even read this post. But, it is so comforting to know how much people care. We are simply two parents doing what God called us to do. It was written on my heart before Bill and I got married in honor of my mom, who was also adopted. Bill has been incredibly strong when I was weak, and vice versa. We have been each others sounding board and comfort.
I will continue to post every once in awhile the progress Nina-Li makes.
Love to you all.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
WE ARE HOME!!!!
We are home. And it felt so good to sleep in our own beds.
THE JOURNEY
Our travels went very well. I drew on a piece of paper three airplanes. The agency staff had told her we would be traveling on 3 planes. As we took each trip, we crossed off a plane. She slept a majority of the flight from Shanhai to Chicago. Which was good. However, when she woke up it was morning time in China. So, yep, you guessed it. Little Miss Sunshine wasn't very happy. It was shortly before we arrived in Chicago though. so, she cried only a tiny bit on the plane. And then the entire time going through customs and immigration. However, by the time we got on our flight to KC she was fine.
OUR ARRIVAL
What a wonderful welcome home. Bill went and got the van while we got our luggage. When I walked outside to our van, Nina-Li recognized it right away. (Yeah!) We have incredible friends who brought our van up to the airport. They left Nina-Li some gifts and treats for all of us. Thanks to our neighbor Elizabeth, I had step-by-step photographs of Nina-Li's carseat and how to use it. She got right in and didn't complain. In China no car seats, seat belts are optional. We listened to her Chinese children's CD's in the car, which she loved. We had a great ride home.
HOME
When we got home, Nina-Li was so excited. She ran through the house looking at everything, matching it all to the photographs embedded in her mind. She quickly went upstairs to see her room. She did the same thing. She was very happy. A response we were uncertain if we would get. She played in her room a lot discovering her books and the few toys she has. I read several times not to have a lot of toys right away. It can be overwhelming and over stimulating. I can see that was good advice. She had to touch and see everything. So, if she had a lot, she would have been up all night. She was uncertain to go up into her bed. I was nervous about that. Later I realized she was apprehensive climbing the ladder. Once I taught her how to go up and get to her bed, she was fine.
BEDTIME
We were up late. Obviously with the time change and the late arrival home. I was getting sleeping and told her momma was getting sleepy. The next thing I know I find her in bed looking at her books. Yeah! So we hung out while I commented on the pictures. It was way too late to read. So, I figured out she didn't want lights on and her curtains opened. She fell asleep and has slept for almost 11 hours now and still sleeping. No tears. Which we were prepared for. She has always been a sound sleeper, which is a benefit to all of us.
So, we'll see what our first day brings. Still trying to figure out what she wants for breakfast. I don't have a full breakfast buffet here at home, and she can't nibble and refuse as easily. I think I will need to learn how to make congee, which is a watered down rice that they often have for breakfast. Well, and almost all meals. That and fruit.
THE BOYS
The boys did a great job. So many people commented on what great brothers they are. How kind and good they were. They loved their trip to China. None of us want to be on an airplane for awhile, yet they are already wondering where we will go next. I'm afraid with our trip to Mexico last year and this year's trip to China they are becoming more interested in international travels. Ummmmmm, financing that might be an issue.
Thank you for all of your prayers. They sustained us greatly. I cannot tell you how much your words of encouragement helped me.
I apologize there are now pictures. I have to download all 1600 to my computer.
Love to you all!
THE JOURNEY
Our travels went very well. I drew on a piece of paper three airplanes. The agency staff had told her we would be traveling on 3 planes. As we took each trip, we crossed off a plane. She slept a majority of the flight from Shanhai to Chicago. Which was good. However, when she woke up it was morning time in China. So, yep, you guessed it. Little Miss Sunshine wasn't very happy. It was shortly before we arrived in Chicago though. so, she cried only a tiny bit on the plane. And then the entire time going through customs and immigration. However, by the time we got on our flight to KC she was fine.
OUR ARRIVAL
What a wonderful welcome home. Bill went and got the van while we got our luggage. When I walked outside to our van, Nina-Li recognized it right away. (Yeah!) We have incredible friends who brought our van up to the airport. They left Nina-Li some gifts and treats for all of us. Thanks to our neighbor Elizabeth, I had step-by-step photographs of Nina-Li's carseat and how to use it. She got right in and didn't complain. In China no car seats, seat belts are optional. We listened to her Chinese children's CD's in the car, which she loved. We had a great ride home.
HOME
When we got home, Nina-Li was so excited. She ran through the house looking at everything, matching it all to the photographs embedded in her mind. She quickly went upstairs to see her room. She did the same thing. She was very happy. A response we were uncertain if we would get. She played in her room a lot discovering her books and the few toys she has. I read several times not to have a lot of toys right away. It can be overwhelming and over stimulating. I can see that was good advice. She had to touch and see everything. So, if she had a lot, she would have been up all night. She was uncertain to go up into her bed. I was nervous about that. Later I realized she was apprehensive climbing the ladder. Once I taught her how to go up and get to her bed, she was fine.
BEDTIME
We were up late. Obviously with the time change and the late arrival home. I was getting sleeping and told her momma was getting sleepy. The next thing I know I find her in bed looking at her books. Yeah! So we hung out while I commented on the pictures. It was way too late to read. So, I figured out she didn't want lights on and her curtains opened. She fell asleep and has slept for almost 11 hours now and still sleeping. No tears. Which we were prepared for. She has always been a sound sleeper, which is a benefit to all of us.
So, we'll see what our first day brings. Still trying to figure out what she wants for breakfast. I don't have a full breakfast buffet here at home, and she can't nibble and refuse as easily. I think I will need to learn how to make congee, which is a watered down rice that they often have for breakfast. Well, and almost all meals. That and fruit.
THE BOYS
The boys did a great job. So many people commented on what great brothers they are. How kind and good they were. They loved their trip to China. None of us want to be on an airplane for awhile, yet they are already wondering where we will go next. I'm afraid with our trip to Mexico last year and this year's trip to China they are becoming more interested in international travels. Ummmmmm, financing that might be an issue.
Thank you for all of your prayers. They sustained us greatly. I cannot tell you how much your words of encouragement helped me.
I apologize there are now pictures. I have to download all 1600 to my computer.
Love to you all!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Good-bye China!
It is our last evening in China. We will be waking up at 5:00 am (3:00 pm your time) and heading to the airport. From Guangzhou we will fly to Shanghai. We have a 6 hour layover there. So, we are considering taking time to ride the MAGLEV (magnetic levitation train) from the airport for a short round trip ride.
We leave there at 5:30 PM, 3:15 AM Friday while you are sleeping. And then will arrive in Chicago around 5:00 central time.
Today has been a good day. Little Miss Sunshine woke up grouchy. However, about 11:00 she was her sweet adorable self. We went shopping, which puts any girl in a good mood. I bought her two very nice Chinese dresses. They are beautiful. I got her one for now and one a size bigger. They were $25 each. Which if you were to see them, you would agree is a good price. I am very glad that I found them. Nina-Li loves them.
I took her down to our adoption agency's office. Catherine talked to her about our travels tomorrow. That Grandpa wouldn't be sitting with her all the time. Our early wake-up time, etc. She explained that Nina would have to wear a seat belt. The conversation was fun and Nina accepted and understood it all very well. Catherine told her, that her America name is Nina-Li and that it means beautiful little girl. Nina loved that. Then she added that every time someone calls her they will be telling her she is beautiful. Which made Nina giggle. She told her she had to wear her seat belt in the van because dad is a crazy driver. Nina giggled a lot at that. She also told Nina she has many people waiting to meet her that want to be her friend.
So, it's been a great day. Please pray for safe & smooth travels with no delays. We are all ready to come home. Including Nina.
Love to you all!
We leave there at 5:30 PM, 3:15 AM Friday while you are sleeping. And then will arrive in Chicago around 5:00 central time.
Today has been a good day. Little Miss Sunshine woke up grouchy. However, about 11:00 she was her sweet adorable self. We went shopping, which puts any girl in a good mood. I bought her two very nice Chinese dresses. They are beautiful. I got her one for now and one a size bigger. They were $25 each. Which if you were to see them, you would agree is a good price. I am very glad that I found them. Nina-Li loves them.
I took her down to our adoption agency's office. Catherine talked to her about our travels tomorrow. That Grandpa wouldn't be sitting with her all the time. Our early wake-up time, etc. She explained that Nina would have to wear a seat belt. The conversation was fun and Nina accepted and understood it all very well. Catherine told her, that her America name is Nina-Li and that it means beautiful little girl. Nina loved that. Then she added that every time someone calls her they will be telling her she is beautiful. Which made Nina giggle. She told her she had to wear her seat belt in the van because dad is a crazy driver. Nina giggled a lot at that. She also told Nina she has many people waiting to meet her that want to be her friend.
So, it's been a great day. Please pray for safe & smooth travels with no delays. We are all ready to come home. Including Nina.
Love to you all!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
2nd to Last Update
I will have probably one more update from China before we leave. I hope to continue our blog once we arrive home. But, we will see what time allows. Again, thank you Danielle for keeping everyone informed, but I am sure you want to get back to our own routine of things.
We have had Little Miss for 11 days. We have come so far. Yet...we wonder what the road ahead will bring.
Yesterday and today Bill has been a pillar of strength. Standing ground with Nina and she has respected and followed it. Very good. She wants to be with my dad a lot, and we are trying to slow that down a bit. He wants to be Grandpa (in China it is Why Gong). He doesn't want to be dad.
Today was a good day. This afternoon she was a chatterbox as we played dolls and stuff together. I turned on the camera and tried to video it to post. But the file is too big to send. Sometimes I think she thinks I understand everything she is saying. However, it is amazing how even though we don't understand the words, we figure things out.
This evening we went on a riverboat ride on the Pearl River. it was beautiful. With the Asian games here (it is a huge deal), they have alot of the building s and riverfront decorated for the event. We had a great time. We were apprehensive, Nina was getting tired and we were afraid she was going to wail. But, Bill has really established what he expects from her and she followed through. She was able to overcome her sleepiness a bit to enjoy the lights& ride. But, was still very tired.
The boys are having a great time but are definitely ready to come home. They cannot wait to see all their friends. Today we went to a large store like a Wal-Mart and they bought Chinese candy to share with the kids. The grocery store part was Chinese market meets Price Chopper. There was everything from snake to chicken feet to live turtles, fish (alive and dead) to regular produce and pantry goods. The meat market was just raw meat on at the counter like ours, but the people choose and bag their own meat. Something a little unsanitary it seems about that.
We hope you are all doing well.
Love Ya!
We have had Little Miss for 11 days. We have come so far. Yet...we wonder what the road ahead will bring.
Yesterday and today Bill has been a pillar of strength. Standing ground with Nina and she has respected and followed it. Very good. She wants to be with my dad a lot, and we are trying to slow that down a bit. He wants to be Grandpa (in China it is Why Gong). He doesn't want to be dad.
Today was a good day. This afternoon she was a chatterbox as we played dolls and stuff together. I turned on the camera and tried to video it to post. But the file is too big to send. Sometimes I think she thinks I understand everything she is saying. However, it is amazing how even though we don't understand the words, we figure things out.
This evening we went on a riverboat ride on the Pearl River. it was beautiful. With the Asian games here (it is a huge deal), they have alot of the building s and riverfront decorated for the event. We had a great time. We were apprehensive, Nina was getting tired and we were afraid she was going to wail. But, Bill has really established what he expects from her and she followed through. She was able to overcome her sleepiness a bit to enjoy the lights& ride. But, was still very tired.
The boys are having a great time but are definitely ready to come home. They cannot wait to see all their friends. Today we went to a large store like a Wal-Mart and they bought Chinese candy to share with the kids. The grocery store part was Chinese market meets Price Chopper. There was everything from snake to chicken feet to live turtles, fish (alive and dead) to regular produce and pantry goods. The meat market was just raw meat on at the counter like ours, but the people choose and bag their own meat. Something a little unsanitary it seems about that.
We hope you are all doing well.
Love Ya!
Proud to Be an American
Today is citizenship day, well, kind of. Today we went to the US Consulate, and took an oath on Nina's behalf for her to become a US citizen once we hit US soil. It is and sounds more beautiful than the actual experience. We stood with 32 families and took the oath and then waited as they called our names to sign a piece of paper. Intermingled within the families were a half dozen or so Chinese immigrants applying to become US citizens also. A very proud day, yet the ceremony itself wasn't that glamorous.
The day began with little Miss Sunshine, being just that, sunshiny. She was unpredictably cheerful. Maybe because she sweet talked me into wearing her little Chinese outfit today. Whatever the case, she was so delightful at breakfast. That lasted until Grumpers walked off to go do something. Then, she cried and cried and cried. She is very close to him and doesn't want him leaving her. She can leave him to go somewhere, but he cannot leave her. He really didn't realize how much of an impact he has had on her life. This gives us some wisdom on handling our living quarters with her and him.
Nina cried off and on through out the morning as we traveled and enjoyed the local zoo. It was her first visit to the zoo and at times she was just crying to cry. I must share our zoo experience. The safari ride we had the animals so close. Dawson even had a camels backside pretty much to his face. There were several camels, several giraffes, several elephants. Things we may see 1, 2, or 3 of they had dozens. We also got to see black bears, white tigers and yes....Pandas. And they were oh so cute. I think there were 12, including 5 babies that were one year old.
After the zoo we went to the US Consulate and then returned to the hotel. Nina became her cute 7 year old self once here. Being adorable and sweet. Emotions can turn on and off very quickly. And understandably.
We are all missing home and cannot wait to get into our own beds. We miss our friends and family and Facebook. We miss Quik Trip and normal and I miss oatmeal. But as much as we miss things we try to remember that Nina misses everything 10 times more. I brought a small photo album showing Nina her room, how to use a car set (thank you Elizabeth Lovell for modeling!), our home, our dog, etc. She is getting it out more and more. So, I hope she is anticipating it or at least trying to understand it all.
Tomorrow night is riverboat ride night. We cannot wait. However, the evenings are cool and I lost my jean jacket in the last city. I have no idea how. That's the least of my concerns.
Love to you all!
The day began with little Miss Sunshine, being just that, sunshiny. She was unpredictably cheerful. Maybe because she sweet talked me into wearing her little Chinese outfit today. Whatever the case, she was so delightful at breakfast. That lasted until Grumpers walked off to go do something. Then, she cried and cried and cried. She is very close to him and doesn't want him leaving her. She can leave him to go somewhere, but he cannot leave her. He really didn't realize how much of an impact he has had on her life. This gives us some wisdom on handling our living quarters with her and him.
Nina cried off and on through out the morning as we traveled and enjoyed the local zoo. It was her first visit to the zoo and at times she was just crying to cry. I must share our zoo experience. The safari ride we had the animals so close. Dawson even had a camels backside pretty much to his face. There were several camels, several giraffes, several elephants. Things we may see 1, 2, or 3 of they had dozens. We also got to see black bears, white tigers and yes....Pandas. And they were oh so cute. I think there were 12, including 5 babies that were one year old.
After the zoo we went to the US Consulate and then returned to the hotel. Nina became her cute 7 year old self once here. Being adorable and sweet. Emotions can turn on and off very quickly. And understandably.
We are all missing home and cannot wait to get into our own beds. We miss our friends and family and Facebook. We miss Quik Trip and normal and I miss oatmeal. But as much as we miss things we try to remember that Nina misses everything 10 times more. I brought a small photo album showing Nina her room, how to use a car set (thank you Elizabeth Lovell for modeling!), our home, our dog, etc. She is getting it out more and more. So, I hope she is anticipating it or at least trying to understand it all.
Tomorrow night is riverboat ride night. We cannot wait. However, the evenings are cool and I lost my jean jacket in the last city. I have no idea how. That's the least of my concerns.
Love to you all!
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